Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez overcame a mishap at the start to win the Italian Grand Prix Sprint race on Saturday. He’s on course for another perfect weekend after taking pole position.
Marquez realised just moments before the start that he hadn’t properly set up his Ducati bike. His last-minute adjustment cost him ground, with teammate Francesco Bagnaia storming into the lead.
But when the field settled, Marquez was still running in the top three. He fought his way past Bagnaia in a long-awaited but brief tussle between the factory riders.
And he then took the lead from younger brother Alex in a move reminiscent of his Sprint-winning overtake at Aragon a fortnight ago. From there, he was once again untouchable.
Marc Marquez whistled by fans at Italian Grand Prix after winning Sprint
Coming into the race weekend, Marquez said his relationship with Italian fans was ‘improving’. He admitted there had been ‘moments of tension’ in the decade since his rivalry with Valentino Rossi exploded.
Rossi retired in 2021, but some of his supporters remain hostile to Marquez. He was booed after winning at Misano last year.
Marquez was careful not to fan the flames when he was asked on Thursday about the prospect of tying Rossi this season. He’s the overwhelming favourite to win what would be a ninth world championship.
He hoped that this diplomatic approach, coupled with his move to the Bologna-based Ducati team, would repair his relationship with Italian crowds. But there was still an audible smattering of whistles when he was interviewed on the pit straight after the Sprint.
“All these Italian fans enjoyed the show because the comeback was super nice,” Marquez said.
“It doesn’t sound like some of them enjoyed it!” TNT Sports commentator Gavin Emmett remarked.
Speaking to DAZN afterwards, Marquez added: “I hope those who applauded enjoyed the comeback.”
Marc Marquez had to be careful not to upset Francesco Bagnaia in Mugello interview
Ducati boss Davide Tardozzi looked a little underwhelmed when Marquez took pole position, with Bagnaia denied. Perhaps he anticipated the awkward atmosphere if the Spaniard went on to win.
It was supposed to be Bagnaia’s weekend after his breakthrough at Aragon, but this was yet another difficult Sprint. Marquez looks set to end his teammate’s three-win streak on home soil.
Speaking on Friday, Marquez initially said he ‘didn’t care’ about Bagnaia’s points tally in Mugello. But he quickly backtracked, clarifying that Alex was naturally his main concern given that the Gresini rider is second in the standings.
Marquez extended his lead to 35 points on Saturday and can go at least 41 ahead if he repeats his result in the Grand Prix.
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